Our early childhood programs are designed to provide parents with a variety of activities for their preschoolers during the day. Parents have the flexibility to choose one or all three programs to design a program that works best for them. Bring your lunch and stay all day in a supervised environment! Staff provide safe transitions, escorting students from one class to the next.
Downloads and Resources:
2026-2027
Tours
Interested in taking a tour of our Busy Bees preschool before registering your little one? Contact our Preschool Supervisor, Michelle Horvat by calling 217-398-2376 to schedule a time!
NOTE: Scholarship applications must be submitted prior to registration. See below for more information on scholarship opportunities.
FAQs
How do I know if my child is ready for preschool?
What is your student/teacher ratio?
What are your safety policies?
What is the typical schedule for the day?
How do you handle discipline?
What can you offer my child?
5 Ways to Prepare Your Little One for Preschool
Starting preschool is a significant milestone for both children and parents. It marks the beginning of an exciting journey filled with learning, exploration, and growth. We want to make sure you and your little one are prepared and ready to embrace this new chapter with confidence and enthusiasm.
Scholarships and Resource Services
Because some residents are unable to participate in recreation programs due to economic hardship, the Champaign Park District offers scholarships to reduce certain fees and charges. Scholarship Program applicants are not guaranteed fund availability, program registration or choice of program location. Early applications are given priority. Need is the primary criterion upon which scholarship applicants are considered. Questions: 217-398-2550.
If you would like to submit your completed scholarship application with the required documents by email, please send them to scholarships@champaignparks.org.
Child Care Resources Service (CCRS)
Child Care Resource Service helps income-eligible parents who are working and/or going to school to pay for their childcare. Eligibility is based on family size and parents’ income. Working families whose incomes are at or below 50% of the state median income level may be eligible. Processing the application can take up to 10 business days, once all the necessary information is received. New families can now apply online at: Child Care Resource Service, or pick up an application form from CCRS. To register for programs, an approval letter listing the Champaign Park District as the provider must be submitted prior to your child’s participation in the program. If an approval letter is not on file at the time of registration, you may be required to pay the full program cost.
Summer Camps
Approved families may register for summer camps by paying a $20 deposit per child/per session of the program. You are responsible for any remaining balance not covered by CCRS. To register, you must sign up for the installment plan; installment amounts will be manually adjusted to reflect your CCRS co-pay & approval.
Afterschool Care
Approved families may register for afterschool care by paying a $50 deposit per child in the program. This deposit may be refunded at the end of the school year depending on your co-pay amount and provided your child attends at least 80% of the program each month. You are responsible for any remaining monthly balance not covered by CCRS. To register, be sure to sign up for the monthly installment plan. Monthly installment amounts will be manually adjusted to reflect your CCRS co-pay & approval.
For any questions, please contact the Guest Services Manager at 217-819-3885.
Please Note: This same policy applies to participants with the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS).
CCRS Questions: Child Care Resource Service (https://ccrs.illinois.edu/), 217-333-3252 or 1-800-325-5516
